Thomas Partey Denies Latest Rape Allegations

Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has denied two new allegations of rape. The 32-year-old midfielder appeared in Southwark Crown Court on Monday, pleading not guilty to twice raping a woman in London in December 2020. Partey was previously charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in July last year, which he also denied. The latest charges were announced in February, and the court has decided to try all allegations together. However, this may cause a delay in the trial, potentially pushing it back to January next year. In total, Partey has now been accused of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by four different women. He entered his not guilty pleas while wearing a dark grey suit and spoke only to confirm his name. Partey was not present at the previous hearing but had indicated through his lawyer that he would plead not guilty. The Ghanaian footballer is currently out on bail and is expected to play for Ghana in the World Cup this summer. His case will be back in court on May 14 for a pre-trial hearing, where a decision on the trial date will be made.